Suggestions - working to the top

I didnt want to post another seemingly common or stupid topic, rather something a bit legitimate. I know there are alot of people who seek careers in upper level management in Theme parks, especially amongst fourms country wide. Ive come to realize, and many may see - working in upper level mangement or any position requiring a degree is hard work to achive. But theres not straight shot to it, getting there is a series of paths that travel in several different directions. Although a key to that is experience and knowledge; just one of my reasons - dispite the reality and stress awaiting - for seeking my position at Cedar Point.

Understanding the hard work and stress apparently everyone (not being skeptical, I do belive it) has experience working at the point; may I be so bold to ask - what suggestions, based upon your experience, can you offer in leaving a lasting impression for seeking a leadership position in returning to Cedar Point for a second season ?

I know I havent worked there yet, I know I still have quite a bit to experience. But I do know that If I want a leading position in the future, the time to procure that starts my 1st day of work. Regaurdless the conditions people state about living there, if you hold determination it will be worth the time invested.

Im not attempting to display some farfetched dream, but rather explain that I know experience and everything you learn is essential to the building of any career. And positions such as these are a great way to learn. I feel this can be applied to alot of people seeking a goal of this sort at Cedar Point. So before you react to this as another "enthusist" wanting a high level job in the theme park industry, realize that Its the opposite. Its seeking real advice from real people with real experience.

-Michael
*** Edited 5/4/2006 8:33:59 PM UTC by FreezeCoaster***

You might want to try searching the threads (you'll have to use google and type "site:www.pointbuzz.com" followed by search terms), I'm pretty sure there is atleast one similar thread to this.

First, don't be afraid to be flexible in what you are willing to do. A ton of people want to work in operations but only a handful can. So, your "foot in the door" might be by starting off in food, merchandise, accommodations, etc.

Second, don't be a screw up. That is self explanatory.

Third, go out of your way to be helpful. Offer to work extra shifts. Do more than the basics. Fortunately, today's demographic of young employees is pretty pathetic so it doesn't take a great effort to shine above them.

Fourth, make sure the powers that be know you want to have a future there. Ask them if you could "shadow" them one day on your own time. Ask for their advice as to what they did to succeed.

In a company like Cedar Fair, offer to work at the sister parks if something comes open there.

It has a lot to do about flexibility and more to do about being in the right place at the right time.

You and I share the same goal. Kinzel stated in a podcast that they like to promote from within, so just working at the park is already a start. Kinzel also said that you do not need a specific degree in anything, just mostly common sense.

With that having been said, however, I do plan on getting that degree. The University of Central Florida in Orlando is the only school in the country that offers a degree in Theme Park Management. I think having that degree will show a step up above the rest ;).

Why would anyone want to work to the top at Cedar Point? So you can become one of the soulless monsters that works upper management? You don't 'work to the top' at CP, you come in, get what you need, get out, and try not to lose your mind in the process. I may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I make a nice wage when I come in and do waiter work for the summer, but I am fully aware of what CP really is, and it is never where I would want to base any kind of real career.

I guess we're all entitled to our opinions.

Dick Kinzel started in food service, when I worked there in the 1970's he was the asst. food service manager UNDER Dan Kellor. Jack Falfas started out as a peon and worked his way up to COO. There's a West Virginia boy who done good. The amusement industry is full of people who got their start at CP. It's all what you want out of life, and the willingness to do what is necessary to get there.That's not saying trample on people to get on top, just work hard and if you can get into a curriculum that lends itself to the position you want to aim for.

I know former CP folks at Disney, Universal, Anheuser-Busch and Dollywood...just to name a few.

RLS, I think I can count on one hand the number of people in uppermanagement at Cedar Fair who are "soulless monsters" and Mr. Kinzel isn't one of them.

I may not agree with everything he has done but, heck...I don't agree with everything I have done over my career.

Your bitter, we get it. Why spew it here?

And to top it off, my reference was to promotional positions such as TL or ATL, or even a supervisor. Id love to work in upper mangement in a theme park, but for now I have other plans. Management is a cool thing but creating, designing and engineering is far more fun and complex...and requires more to apply that you've learned. Thats just me, im crazy, I love the idea of applying knowledge =), what can I say?

But in general, working in a position such as the ones I mentioned would be a blast, and its definantly a fun job while in college and you do build skills doing it.

Thanks for the advice so far!

i was just woundering if there was any college or university that offered a degree in something like theme park management or amusement park management? i don't know if this was asked before but if it was sorry.

Most people get all ansy when people repeat a topic. I dont mind, becuase its always good to refesh your memory if someone brings it back up. Plus its my topic =) . Just to answer your question:

Top Thrill Dragster said:

With that having been said, however, I do plan on getting that degree. The University of Central Florida in Orlando is the only school in the country that offers a degree in Theme Park Management. I think having that degree will show a step up above the rest ;).

Since Ive read that I've been meaning to check that out for myself. It sounds interesting.

I respect you. You seem really smart with a good heads up, unlike most of today's young workers.

I myself am a young worker, but, what the above people said, are right.

Work other shifts, help others, do stuff on your own time, don't always expect something in return either, etc.

I'm working RipCord this year. First time working for CP. But this is the beginning of my path to climb up the corporate ladder.

I'm willing to do what it takes.

Id love to get trained on a skycoaster. I in general dont have much knowledge of them - let alone only riding one once. I have a good friend(which of whom im rooming with @ CP) who has worked one, and he said its a blast.

Your right, there arnt many young people with long-term goals that are aware that now is the time to pursue them.

Good luck with your goal, and have fun on RipCord.

Maybe I'll see ya around the point!

Working a Skycoaster is ok;)

thaks freezecoaster but sorry i should have read that slower cuase i would have seen wut top thrill dragster said.

Please, learn to talk/type correctly.

Top Thrill Dragster said:
The University of Central Florida in Orlando is the only school in the country that offers a degree in Theme Park Management.

I don't know too much about Rosen (that's the Hospitality school at UCF) but I am a Molecular Biology and Microbiology major at UCF and I can't praise this school enough. I love this place and kind of wish I didn't have to graduate and leave next year. :)

I highly recommend coming here to anyone!

UCF...hmmm...I'll have to remember that, though I think I'll be aiming for an MBA or more specifically marketing. Being in contact with the management at CP/CF isn't a bad way to start off either.

It seems that while you don't need a specific degree, you might have an edge over others with a BBA or MBA. There was actually intelligent question at coastermania one year about what education you needed to get in order to work to the top. Bill Spehn said he had an MBA and suggested it was key into getting into upper management. Considering he worked his way up pretty quick from trash guy to a GM position (all in a relative sense considering the CF culture :)) that might be the way to go.

Since most of the higher up positions are General Business Management type that would prolly be the best way to go unless you wanted to go into Marketing or Finance. Those positions might be tougher to get into though.

Chris... its matt whats up?!